Have you ever been to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills? What about the Magnificent Mile in Chicago? Hong Kong? New York City? Whether you’ve been to these shopping dreamworlds or simply the local mall, you know what window shopping is all about.
All of the good stuff is laid out right in front of you. Even if you can’t buy, you can slobber all over the glass. The problem is, they really don’t have a place like that for us home improvement types. So I decided to browse around Amazon.com a little bit and see what kind of stuff might look good under my Christmas tree!
Swiss Army Knife
I may not be MacGyver, but I’m not in a rocking chair yet and there is still time! If the opportunity arises for me to make a tank out of a shopping cart, I’m going to need a good Swiss Army Knife.
Truth is, I have one or two already and I love them. I used one just yesterday… not quite as cool as MacGyver though… I was adjusting my beard trimmer, but still!
A Jawhorse
I’ve seen the infomercial and I’m thinking this tool from Rockwell would be a great addition to my collection! I couldn’t begin to list all the ways this marvel of engineering can help you work. There’s a video on Amazon if you follow the link above.
A New Miter Saw
My miter saw is getting pretty beat-up after years of use (probably 10 years!) and I’d look pretty hard at this Hitachi if I was in the market for a new one. These are the main requirement for Baseboards, Chair Rails, Crown Molding, etc. If that is in your future… this might be for you!
A Catch-All Tool Kit
You wouldn’t believe how many of these type tool kits I have! I’ve bought them and been given them as gifts over the years and I’m here to tell you, these things are great! They include the basic tools you need to put things together, take things apart, and just generally fix and make stuff! You can’t come close to buying the individual tools in the set for the same price. Worst case, you end-up with two of something… that’s a good thing!
Or, if I wanted to be more stylish…
A Baby Table Saw
I’ve always had one of these smaller table saws around to use when something a little more portable is called for. For awhile, my big saw was out on a job and the little one was all I had at home. During that time I found out that I could do more with that little saw than I thought.
If you’ve never had a table saw and you want to get into doing built-ins, cabinets, paneling (wainscot), or making furniture, this little saw is a deal that can’t be beat!
The Remodel Anything Bag
Until you’ve had a set of cordless tools like this one, you wouldn’t really believe the difference it makes in a remodeling project. First of all, all your most important tools are in one place, right in the bag. Second, the sudden removal of the web of extension cords makes things SO much easier. Finally, the power of 18V lithium-ion batteries is just amazing.
The Finishing Touches
After the work is done, a few creature comforts might be good!
I wonder if there’s enough room under the tree?
My father in law keeps telling me that he’s found just the compound miter saw I need and wants to buy it for me as a gift. I will let him because it will make him happy.
The tool kits do make great gifts. I know someone who got one and said it was the best wedding best they got because they used it so much. BUT I have to give a thumbs down to the pink tools. Some people want to give me pink tools because I’m a woman who likes DIY, but the quality is awful. Friends don’t give friends pink tools. Buy something of quality that will last, even if it is just a hammer or screwdriver.
Glad to see you still up and posting. Did you change your mind? One question, what should I look for if I want to buy a miter or table saw used?
You make me laugh! I’m not sure the room under the tree is what you should be worrying about! 🙂
I added wood glue and two smallish clamps to my “tool collection” today. Then I fixed the kitchen cabinet my one year old broke! It seemed to work pretty well.